Mick Galwey's champions are out of the title race, as despite finishing level on 48 points with Garryowen (third) and UL Bohemians (fourth), Shannon's scoring difference of +117 has them placed fifth.

Agonisingly, Shannon would have slipped into third place had Andrew Thompson booted all four of his conversion attempts, but the league veteran will have nightmares as three of his kicks struck the woodwork.

A late Tony Buckley try gave Shannon the win after Dolphin had gone 16-0 in front.